Moldovans call for reforms, probe into missing bank funds

CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — Thousands have protested against Moldova's government, saying it has failed to implement reforms to bring the country closer to the European Union.

Protesters also called on the government to investigate the disappearance of $1.5 billion from the state-owned Savings Bank, and the private banks Unibank and the Social Bank, in November 2014 before elections.

Thousands of people demonstrated in Chisinau on Sunday, waving Moldovan and EU flags yelling "Down with the thieves!" and "We want the billions back!" There were no reports of violence.

Moldovan officials have recently launched an investigation into the disappearance of the money. Moldova's currency has lost 20 percent value this year.

The current government is backed by communists, who favor a slower approach to reforms. Moldova signed an association agreement with the EU last year.